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Motivation minefield
By Andrew Bloom
Jul 19, 2005

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We all like to think of ourselves as self-motivated – and passing your exams is certainly evidence of initiative and purpose. But what about your long-term goals? How well do you motivate yourself in that direction? Do you make sure every minute you're at work is invested – not just in getting your job done but also in achieving long-term career success?

Getting motivated when you start a new job is easy really, isn't it? If you're in a new role, or if you've been promoted, then nothing can hold you back. But what about six months down the line – is it the same situation? What about those super-successful colleagues who are always optimistic about overcoming obstacles. How do they do it?

'People never fail, they just stop trying'

To stay motivated – whether what motivates you is getting the finance director's job in record time, helping your firm secure a new client or earning a large enough bonus to buy a flashy car – you need to constantly review and analyse your achievements. Continually reassessing your goals and having an action plan play an integral part in ensuring you stay motivated and focused. Writing an annual action plan which collects dust in your bottom drawer is not going to help you or the person who decides on your promotion.

It's important to visualise where you want to be – and to do it often.

 'Act where you want to be, not where you are'

 

While you might have a 'big picture' plan over a longer timescale, such as 12 months or two years, you can't do without a shorter-term agenda, such as a three-month plan – and this doesn't mean you can reproduce the same one four times a year. Three months is a measurable, attainable time frame, which means your action points must be clear and you can't make excuses. Circumstances change with time – in your industry, your company or your own life – and re-doing your plan will ensure that it remains totally relevant.

Of course, just producing your plan doesn't mean your job is done. It's more than a piece of paper – or at least it should be. Read it. Think about it. Act on it and don't just do this on the day you write it. If you want to stay motivated, keep your goals uppermost in your mind.

Many successful people say there's nothing as de-motivating as realised ambition. So, once you hit your target, set a new one. Make it tougher. Keep yourself motivated by keeping yourself moving forward. As Winston Churchill said, 'Never, never, never, never, never give up'.

Staying motivated is also about reflecting on results rather than dwelling on incidents that might not have gone as well as you'd hoped. If you think you could have dealt differently with issues that have arisen, learn form that. Ask for training or advice from your manager. Speak to successful senior staff in your organisation and ask them how they do it. Nick their ideas – why not?

To maintain your drive, regularly review your achievements – you might have learned something technical, something about your industry, a faster way of doing something or how to get the best out of a business relationship – all small steps towards your larger goal.

Many of life's failures are people who did not realise how close they were to success when they gave up.

Sometimes it's easy to feel motivation flagging when you let things become too complicated. If you're finding yourself focusing too heavily on one aspect of work you find difficult – get back to basics. What is the purpose of your role, what do you best, why are you there, what can you do in the short term which will achieve something and give you a boost? Back to basics is a surefire way to regain your focus.

If you're feeling de-motivated, the best thing you can do is talk about it right away – the longer you leave it, the more unhappy and de-motivated you'll become. If you feel you can't confide in your direct manager, try HR for a friendly ear and you might be surprised how helpful and supportive people can be.

So, what are you waiting for? Stop saying 'yes but' or 'I can't' and start taking a step every day towards your goal. Action is what will keep you motivated. Doing nothing certainly won't.

Established since 1958, Hays Accountancy & Finance is the leading Financial Recruitment Consultancy in Ireland. For further information please contact Andrew Bloom at andrew.bloom@hays.com :   View Hays jobs on Accountingnet.ie 


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